People ask questions as to how to clean a cast iron pan or skillet. Such as can detergents be used to clean it? can a steel wool be used? Can I put the cast iron in the dishwasher? The answer is NO! Cast irons rust if exposed to moisture for an extended period of time. Whether it is put in a dishwasher, soaked in the sink or allowed to air dry, it will rust. It cannot be stored in a cabinet near the dishwasher, in an open cabinet in a humid location or stored outside.
So how do we clean a cast iron? Wipe the interior surface of a still warm skillet (not while HOT!) with a paper towel and wipe off any excess food and oil. Rinse under running hot water scrubbing with a nonabrasive brush or a nonmetal brush to remove any remnants of food. A small amount of soap can be used and then rinse thoroughly. Do not drip dry! instead dry thoroughly. Heat over medium-low heat until there is no traces of moisture in the cast iron. Add 1/2 teaspoon of oil (any type of oil such as canola, vegetable, olive oil, grapeseed, and avocado oils) to pan and use paper towel to lightly coat interior surface with oil. Continue to wipe surface with the oiled paper towel until smooth and dark with no more oil residue remaining then allow to cool.
